JP2004274607A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera excellent in convenience for use without missing a shutter chance. <P>SOLUTION: In a voice recording mode, an execute button is pressed to start voice recording (time t1), a voice file (Pict0101. wav) is created within a memory card, and the voice file is updated while successively performing voice recording processing. Afterwards, when a release button is pressed half during voice recording to set a status S1, recording is temporarily stopped and the photographing preparation of AF or the like included in photographing processing is started (time t2). Further, when the release button is pressed full to set a status S2, main photographing is started (time t3), processing, from exposure to storage of picture data into a memory, included in the photographing processing, picture processing and picture recording processing are performed, and a photographed picture file (Pict0102. jpg) is recorded within the memory card. On the other hand, when ending the picture recording processing, voice recording is restarted (time t4). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a control technique for a digital camera having a voice record mode.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a digital camera that can be used as a voice record by switching modes due to the multifunctionality of the digital camera has appeared (for example, Patent Document 1). In a digital camera having such a voice record mode, in order to shoot while recording in the voice record mode, it is necessary to once switch the mode and then perform a shooting operation of pressing a release button. It is very complicated and misses a photo opportunity.
[0003]
To address such a problem, a still video camera that suspends recording when a release button is pressed during recording, records the sound up to that point, and shifts to the next image recording operation (for example, Patent Document 2).
[0004]
Prior art documents relating to such a technique include the following.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-223403 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-98670
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described still video camera, recording is simply interrupted for photographing, and no consideration is given to recording thereafter, and the usability is poor.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a user-friendly digital camera that does not miss a photo opportunity.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an invention according to claim 1 is a digital camera having a voice record mode, comprising: an imaging unit that acquires captured image data of a subject; Recording control means for interrupting the recording in response to the start of the processing, and restarting the interrupted recording in response to the end of the photographing processing.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the first aspect, the recording control unit determines that the photographing process has been completed based on the interruption of the photographing operation by the operator, and performs recording. It is characterized in that control is performed to restart.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the digital camera according to the first or second aspect, wherein the display means for performing after-view display and the after-view display by the display means are prohibited in the voice record mode. And a prohibition means for performing the operation.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 4 is a digital camera having a voice record mode, wherein during the recording in the voice record mode, a temporary storage means for temporarily storing voice data, and the voice data is stored in the temporary storage means. Recording control means for controlling to transfer audio data and sequentially record on a predetermined recording medium; andrecording control means for controlling to interrupt the recording in response to the start of the photographing process during the recording. Wherein the temporary storage means holds the audio data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means as the interruption audio data without erasing when the recording is interrupted.
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the fourth aspect, the recording control means controls to record the interruption-time audio data after the end of the photographing process. I do.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
<(1) Functional configuration of imaging apparatus>
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are views showing an external configuration of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view seen from the back side. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, an optical finder 4, and a flash 6 on the front side thereof, and a power switch 3, a shutter button (release button) 9, a microphone 12 And As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 has a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as “LCD”) 5, a group of buttons 7, 8, and a quick review button (hereinafter, also referred to as “QV button”) on its rear side. ) 11 and a speaker 13. The button group 7 has cross cursor buttons (or cursor keys) 7a to 7d, and the button group 8 has an execute button 8a, a menu button 8b, a flash mode button 8c, and a liquid crystal monitor button 8d. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 has a lid 14, a DC input terminal 15, a USB terminal 16, and an AV output terminal 17 on its side surface.
[0016]
As will be described later, the digital camera 1 obtains image data on the subject by subjecting the subject image from the photographing lens 2 to photoelectric conversion by a CCD (imaging device) 20 (FIG. 3) or the like.
[0017]
The power switch 3 is used to receive a power-on operation and a power-off operation. Specifically, each time the power switch 3 is pressed, the transition to the ON state and the transition to the OFF state are alternately repeated.
[0018]
The release button 9 is a two-stage push-in switch that can detect a half-pressed state (hereinafter also referred to as “state S1”) and a fully-pressed state (hereinafter also referred to as “state S2”) by the user (operator). Preparations for performing actual photographing (hereinafter, referred to as “photographing processing”) such as automatic focusing control (AF), automatic exposure control (AE), and automatic white balance control (AWB) in the half-pressed state. ) To start. That is, the release button 9 detects a state S1 (hereinafter, also referred to as a “shooting preparation state”) in which the shooting preparation is performed based on the pressing operation of the operator. Further, the main photographing operation for photographing the image for recording (photographed image) in the fully pressed state is started.
[0019]
The main photographing mainly includes processing from the start of exposure to storage of photographed image data in a buffer memory 54 (FIG. 3) described below (hereinafter referred to as “image acquisition processing”), and the photographed image stored in the buffer memory 54. Image processing on the data (hereinafter, referred to as “photographed image processing”) and processing until the photographed image data stored in the buffer memory 54 is recorded on a memory card 90 described below (hereinafter, referred to as “image recording processing”) They are roughly divided into In the following, a series of processes including a shooting preparation and an image obtaining process based on a pressing operation of the release button 9 is referred to as a “photographing process” as a process of obtaining captured image data. That is, here, a shooting operation mainly including a shooting process, a shot image process, and an image recording process is performed by an operation of pressing the release button 9 by the operator (hereinafter, also referred to as a “shooting operation”).
[0020]
The LCD 5 displays a preview display (also referred to as “live view display”) before the main shooting, a quick view display (also referred to as “after view display”) for confirming a shot image immediately after the main shooting, a reproduction display of a recorded image, and the like. I do. The LCD 5 has a predetermined number (320 × 240 in this case) of display pixels, and can display a color image.
[0021]
The operator can perceive the position and size of the subject in the image by the live view display on the LCD 5, and can perform the framing operation. The framing operation can be performed using only the optical viewfinder 4 without using the LCD 5.
[0022]
The QV button 11 has a function of switching between a shooting mode and a playback mode. Specifically, as will be described later, each time the QV button 11 is pressed in principle, these two modes are sequentially and cyclically (cyclically) selected.
[0023]
The menu button 8b has a function of switching display and non-display of the menu on the LCD 5. Specifically, every time the menu button 8b is pressed, a menu screen and a non-menu screen are alternately displayed on the LCD 5. The display cursor on the menu screen displayed on the LCD 5 can be moved in four directions using the cross cursor buttons 7a to 7d. Further, by pressing the execution button 8a while a desired option is selected, a setting operation or the like corresponding to the option is executed. Through such operations, it is possible to set various photographing parameters and the like.
[0024]
The flash mode button 8c is a button for determining the mode of the flash 6. Each time the flash mode button 8c is pressed, the flash mode switches in the order of automatic light emission, forced light emission, and light emission inhibition.
[0025]
The liquid crystal monitor button 8d is a button for switching display / non-display of the liquid crystal monitor. Each time the liquid crystal monitor button 8d is pressed, a state where an image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5 (display state) and a state where it is not displayed (non-display state) are alternately switched. The power consumption can be reduced if the display is not displayed.
[0026]
The microphone 12 is used for acquiring (recording) audio data for recording (also referred to as “recorded audio”) at the time of moving image shooting, voice memo, voice recording, and after-recording (after-recording).
[0027]
The speaker 13 has a function of outputting sound, and is used when reproducing sound data or image data with sound (still image, moving image) or the like.
[0028]
Further, the lid 14 is provided at a portion that covers the battery chamber and the memory card mounting portion. That is, a battery chamber for accommodating the power supply battery BT and a memory card mounting portion for mounting a memory card 90 as a removable recording medium are provided inside the lid 14. The power supply battery BT and the memory card 90 are detachably mounted to the battery compartment and the memory card mounting portion, respectively. Image data (photographed image data) obtained by the main photographing, audio data obtained at the time of voice recording, and the like are recorded on the memory card 90 set in the insertion mounting portion. That is, the memory card 90 as the recording medium records the captured image data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54, and receives the transfer of the audio data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 during recording. Record it sequentially. Further, the digital camera 1 can receive power supply from the power supply battery BT, or can receive power supply from an AC adapter (not shown) or the like using the DC input terminal 15.
[0029]
The USB terminal 16 is a terminal for performing data communication with a personal computer (also abbreviated as “PC”) or the like. By connecting a USB cable or the like to the USB terminal 16, data communication with an external device (a personal computer or the like) can be performed.
[0030]
The AV output terminal 17 is a terminal for connecting to an external audiovisual device (AV device) such as a television. By connecting a predetermined AV code to the AV output terminal 17 and an input terminal of the external audiovisual device, images and / or audio can be output to the external audiovisual device.
[0031]
Next, the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal functions of the digital camera 1.
[0032]
The CCD (imaging device) 20 functions as a unit that captures a subject image and generates and acquires an electronic image signal (image data), that is, image data (photographed image data and the like) related to the subject. An optical image of a subject having 1600 × 1200 pixels and formed by the photographing lens 2 is converted into image signals of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components for each pixel (each pixel). And a signal consisting of a signal sequence of the pixel signals received by the photoelectric conversion device.
[0033]
An image signal obtained from the CCD 20 is supplied to an analog signal processing circuit 21, and the analog signal processing circuit 21 performs predetermined analog signal processing on the image signal (analog signal). The analog signal processing circuit 21 has a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) and an automatic gain control circuit (AGC). The analog signal processing circuit 21 performs image signal noise reduction processing using the correlated double sampling circuit, and performs gain control using the automatic gain control circuit. Is adjusted to adjust the level of the image signal.
[0034]
The A / D converter 22 converts each pixel signal of the image signal into a 12-bit digital signal. The converted digital signal (image data) is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a. That is, an image signal obtained by exposing the CCD 20 is stored in the buffer memory 54 as digital image data via the analog signal processing circuit 21 and the A / D converter 22. Then, the image data held in the buffer memory 54 is subjected to WB (white balance) processing, γ correction processing, color correction processing, and the like by an image processing unit 51, which will be described later, and then the compression / decompression unit 52 Is performed.
[0035]
An audio signal (audio data) obtained from the microphone 12 is input to the audio processing unit 53. The audio signal input to the audio processing unit 53 is converted into a digital signal (digital data) by an A / D converter (not shown) provided in the audio processing unit 53, and is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54. .
[0036]
The operation unit 30 is an operation unit including the power switch 3, the button groups 7, 8, the release button 9, the QV button 11, and the like, and is used when the operator changes the setting state of the digital camera 1 or performs a shooting operation. It is used when performing.
[0037]
The power supply 40 is a power supply source for the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is driven using a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery as a power supply battery BT.
[0038]
The overall control unit 50 is configured by a microcomputer including a RAM 50a and a ROM 50b therein, and functions as a unit that controls the above units in a comprehensive manner by the microcomputer executing a predetermined program. The overall control unit 50 also controls, for example, a live view display process, a recording process on a memory card, and the like. Note that the RAM 50a is a semiconductor memory (for example, DRAM) that can be accessed at high speed, and the ROM 50b is configured as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (for example, flash ROM) that can electrically rewrite data.
[0039]
A part of the area in the RAM 50a functions as a buffer area for temporary storage. Here, this buffer area is referred to as a buffer memory 54. The buffer memory 54 temporarily stores digitalized image data (photographed image data and the like) acquired based on the photographing process, and temporarily stores digitalized audio data during recording. .
[0040]
The overall control unit 50 has an image processing unit 51, a compression / decompression unit 52, and an audio processing unit 53. Each of these processing units 51, 52, 53 is a functional unit realized by the microcomputer executing a predetermined program.
[0041]
The image processing unit 51 is a processing unit that performs various digital image processing such as WB processing and γ correction processing. The WB process is a process of performing level conversion of each of the R, G, and B color components to adjust the color balance, and the γ correction process is a process of correcting the gradation of pixel data. The compression / expansion unit 52 is a processing unit that performs compression processing and expansion processing of image data. As a compression method, for example, a JPEG method or the like is adopted. The audio processing unit 53 is a processing unit that performs various digital processes on audio data.
[0042]
Further, the overall control unit 50 has a function of controlling each operation of photographing preparation including AF, AE, and AWB in accordance with the pressing operation of the release button 9. Further, when the release button 9 is pressed during recording in the voice record mode, the overall control unit 50 starts the photographing process and suspends the recording, and resumes the suspended recording in response to the end of the photographing process. Control. Such interruption of shooting during recording is hereinafter referred to as “interruption shooting”, and the interruption shooting will be described later in detail.
[0043]
A card interface (card I / F) 60 is an interface for writing and reading image data to and from the memory card 90 mounted on the insertion mounting portion on the side of the digital camera 1.
[0044]
When reading / writing image data from / to the memory card 90, the compression / expansion unit 46 performs a compression process or an expansion process on the image data according to, for example, the JPEG method. Sent and received between Also, when reading and writing audio data, the audio data is transmitted and received between the buffer memory 54 and the memory card 90 via the card interface 60.
[0045]
Further, using the card interface 60, the digital camera 1 can not only transmit and receive data such as images and sounds, but also fetch programs that operate on the digital camera 1. For example, the control program recorded on the memory card 90 can be loaded into the RAM 50a or the ROM 50b of the overall control unit 50. Thereby, the control program can be updated.
[0046]
In addition, various data such as images and sounds, control programs, and the like can be transmitted and received by communication with an external device (such as an external computer) via the USB terminal 16 or the like. For example, various data and programs recorded on a recording medium (CD-R / RW, CD-ROM, etc.) set in a reading device (optical drive device, etc.) of an external computer are obtained via the USB terminal 16. It is possible to do.
[0047]
<(2) Captured image and recorded sound>
Next, the captured image and the recorded sound will be described.
[0048]
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a folder configuration in the memory card 90. As shown in FIG. 4, a file of a captured image and a recorded audio is created and recorded according to a DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) format. Here, each captured image file and audio file are stored in a folder “100MLT09”. The folder “100MLT09” is a folder created under the folder “DCIM”, and the folder “DCIM” is a folder created under the root folder. Hereinafter, this folder “100MLT09” is also referred to as a “recording folder”.
[0049]
The name of each captured image file is composed of the first eight characters (Pict0102), followed by a period (.), And a three-character extension (jpg), such as “Pict0102.jpg”. Similarly, the name of each audio file is composed of the first eight characters (Pict0101), followed by a period (.), And a three-character extension (wav), such as “Pict0101.wav”. I have. Of the first eight characters of these file names, the last four numbers are serial numbers that are continuously assigned in the order of creation of the captured image (captured image file) and recorded audio (audio file).
[0050]
Therefore, for example, when recording and photographing by the digital camera 1 are alternately repeated, “Pict0001.wav”, “Pict0002jpg”, “Pict0003.wav”, “Pict0004.jpg”, and “Pict0005.wav” are stored in the memory card 90. "," Pict0006jpg ",. . . Are created and stored in this order. Further, when only shooting is repeated, “Pict0001.jpg”, “Pict0002jpg”, “Pict0003.jpg”,. . . Are created and stored in this order. Further, when only the recording is repeated, “Pict0001.wav”, “Pict0002wav”, “Pict0003.wav”,. . . Are created and stored in this order.
[0051]
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of a captured image file, and FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the configuration of an audio file.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 5, each captured image file is created as a file in a predetermined format (here, Exif format). More specifically, the file of each captured image includes tag information TG, high-resolution image data (here, an image signal of 1600 × 1200 pixels) DP compressed in the JPEG format, and image data for thumbnail display (here, 1600 × 1200 pixels). Here, an image signal of 80 × 60 pixels) DM is provided. Among them, the tag information TG includes information such as “file name”, “shooting date and time”, “serial number of the camera used for shooting”, and “related audio file”.
[0053]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each audio file is also created as a file in a predetermined format (here, Exif format). Specifically, each recording audio file has tag information TG and digitally processed audio data DS. The tag information TG includes information such as “file name”, “recording start date and time”, “serial number of the camera used for recording”, and “related image file”.
[0054]
Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each file has an attribute AT thereof. Specifically, one of the four attributes of “read-only attribute (R)”, “archive attribute (A)”, “system file attribute (S)”, and “hidden file attribute (H)” is assigned to each file. Is determined for Usually, one of the “archive attribute (A)” and the “read-only attribute (R)” is given to the captured image and the recorded sound. For a file to which the "archive attribute" is given, both the read operation and the write operation are permitted, but for a file to which the "read-only attribute" is given, only the read operation is permitted, Write operation is prohibited.
[0055]
The digital camera 1 is capable of not only capturing a still image but also capturing a moving image.
[0056]
<(3) Outline of state transition in digital camera>
FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1 and mainly shows a display state of the LCD 5. The display screen on the LCD 5 is shown in the rounded square in FIG. Here, the outline of the state transition in the digital camera 1 will be described first with reference to FIG.
[0057]
First, when the power is turned on in response to the pressing of the power switch 3, the digital camera 1 shifts to the state ST10. In the state ST10, the digital camera 1 is set to the “shooting mode”, and a live view display as a preview display for shooting is performed on the LCD 5. “Shooting mode” is a mode for shooting or recording an image (moving image, still image) or sound.
[0058]
As described above, the digital camera 1 has a “playback mode” in addition to the “photographing mode”. The “reproduction mode” is a mode for reproducing a file of a photographed image (and a recorded sound or the like).
[0059]
The QV button 11 is used for switching between these modes. In principle, each time the QV button 11 is pressed, the digital camera 1 sequentially and cyclically (cyclically) switches between the two modes. However, exceptionally, when the captured image file and the audio file do not exist in the memory card 90, the mode does not shift to the “reproduction mode”.
[0060]
Hereinafter, the mode switching will be described in more detail.
[0061]
If the QV button 11 is pressed once in state ST10, it is determined whether or not a captured image file or an audio file is stored (stored) in the memory card 90 (state ST41).
[0062]
In the state ST41, when it is determined that at least one captured image / audio file is recorded in the memory card 90, the process proceeds to the state ST20. The state ST20 is a state in which the digital camera 1 is set to the “playback mode” and a playback image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5. When the process proceeds to the state ST20, first, an audio icon or the like corresponding to the most recently captured image or the most recently recorded audio is displayed on the LCD 5. Each time the left or right key 7c or 7d is pressed, the file to be displayed on the LCD 5 is sequentially changed in the forward or backward direction.
[0063]
When the QV button 11 is pressed again in the state ST20, the process returns to the state ST10.
[0064]
On the other hand, if it is determined in the state ST41 that no captured image / audio file has been recorded in the memory card 90, the process proceeds to the state ST43, and the message "Image / audio data is not stored in the memory card. Is displayed and the process returns to the state ST10. At this time, in response to the pressing of the QV button 11, the character "Image / audio data is not stored in the memory card" is temporarily displayed on the LCD 5, so that the operator cannot change the mode. I can recognize that.
[0065]
According to the above operation, when a captured image / audio file is recorded in the memory card 90, each time the QV button 11 is pressed, these two modes (“photographing mode” and “playback mode”) are switched. Selected cyclically.
[0066]
Next, further state transition from states ST10 and ST20 will be described.
[0067]
When the menu button 8b is pressed in the state ST10, the process shifts to the state ST11. When the menu button 8b is pressed again, the process returns to the state ST10. The state ST11 is for changing to a sub mode (“single shooting mode”, “continuous shooting mode”, “voice memo mode”, “voice recording mode”, “moving picture mode”, “camera setup”) in the shooting mode. This is a state in which the shooting can be performed, and a “shooting menu” for setting a shooting type and the like is displayed on the LCD 5. In the state ST11, the shooting menu screen is displayed as an overlay while the live view display is displayed as a background image.
[0068]
When the menu button 8b is pressed in the state ST20, the process shifts to the state ST21. When the menu button 8b is pressed again, the process returns to the state ST20. The state ST21 is a state in which various settings in the playback mode (settings of “protect”, “delete”, “slide show”, “print designation”, “image editing”, and “camera setup”) can be performed. In addition, a “playback menu”, which is a menu screen for performing various setting operations, is displayed on the LCD 5. In the state ST21, the reproduction menu screen is displayed in an overlay state while the captured image, the sound icon, and the like being reproduced are displayed as the background image.
[0069]
As can be seen from a comparison between the shooting menu and the playback menu, the item of “camera setup” exists in each menu. Therefore, the item of “camera setup” can be called from any mode.
[0070]
At the left end of each item on each menu screen, one of three types of symbols (specifically, a white diamond, a black diamond, and a cross) is displayed. An X mark indicates that the item is not selectable, and a diamond symbol indicates that the item is selectable. The black diamond indicates the currently selected item. When the operator changes the selection item using the up and down keys 7a or 7b and presses the execution button 8a in a state where the symbol of the desired selection item is changed to a black diamond, the operation (specific operation) for the selection item is performed. Specifically, setting of a sub mode and display of a further sub menu screen are executed. Note that, instead of providing the X mark, the characters of the selected item may be displayed in light color to indicate that the item cannot be selected.
[0071]
For example, in the shooting menu in the state ST11, when the operator selects “Voice record mode” by pressing the keys 7a and 7b in the vertical direction and the execution button 8a, the digital camera 1 sets the voice record mode. Is done. This voice record mode is a mode in which only voice is normally recorded. However, since a shutter chance may be inadvertently received even during recording, the digital camera 1 can perform interrupt shooting in which the shooting is interrupted during recording. ing.
[0072]
<(4) Operation in voice record mode>
<(4-1) Overview of interruption shooting during recording>
FIG. 8 is a time chart for explaining interrupt shooting during recording in the voice record mode. The timings indicate, in order from the top, pressing of the execution button 8a, recording, pressing of the release button 9, shooting, and file processing. .
[0073]
As shown in FIG. 8, when the execute button 8a is pressed in a state where the voice record mode is set, recording starts (time t1), and a voice file (here, a voice file name (here, voice file name ( Pict0101.wav)) is performed (sound file creation processing), and the sound file is updated while the sound data is sequentially recorded on the memory card 90 (recording processing).
[0074]
Thereafter, during the recording, when the release button 9 is half-pressed to be in the state S1, the recording is temporarily interrupted in order to secure the free space required for the quick operation of the photographing preparation in the buffer memory 54, and the photographing processing is performed. (Step t2). When the recording is interrupted, the audio data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 is retained without being erased.
[0075]
Further, when the release button 9 is fully depressed to be in the state S2, the actual photographing is started (time t3), and a series of operations (exposure, reading out of an image signal (photographed image data) from the CCD 20, In addition to performing photographing image data temporarily in the buffer memory 54 and performing image processing on the photographed image data (photographing image processing), recording processing of the photographed image data on the memory card 90 (image recording processing) is performed. As a result, a captured image file (here, a captured image file name (Pict0102.jpg)) corresponding to the captured image data is recorded in the memory card 90.
[0076]
Until the photographed image processing and the image recording processing, the free space required for recording is not secured in the buffer memory 54 in order to hold the photographed image data and the like, but the image recording processing is performed after the photographing processing. By the time the recording is completed, the free space required for recording is secured in the buffer memory 54, so that recording is automatically resumed (time t4), and another sound file (here, sound file) is stored in the memory card 90. A name (Pict0103.wav)) is created, and the audio file is updated while the recording process of the audio data on the memory card 90 is sequentially performed. Although not shown in FIG. 8, the audio data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 at the time of the interruption of the recording is replaced with the audio file created before the interruption of the recording (here, the audio file name). (Pict0101.wav)). The additional recording of the audio data will be further described in an operation flow in a voice record mode described later.
[0077]
Then, when the execute button 8a is pressed again, the recording ends (time t5), and as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the “related image file” or the “related image file” is added to the tag information TG of each file. Information (link information) indicating "audio file" is written. Specifically, here, the file name (Pict0101.wav, Pict0103.wav) is described as the related audio file in the tag information TG of the captured image file (Pict0102.jpg). In the tag information TG of the audio file (Pict0101.wav, Pict0103.wav), a file name (Pict0102.jpg) is described as an associated photographed image file.
[0078]
<(4-2) Operation Flow in Voice Record Mode>
9 to 11 are flowcharts showing the operation flow in the voice record mode. This operation is executed under the control of the overall control unit 50.
[0079]
First, when the voice record mode is set, the operation flow of the voice record mode starts, and proceeds to step S1.
[0080]
In step S1, the recording flag (F) is set to 0, the recording operation is initialized, and the process proceeds to step S2. The recording F can be set to 0 indicating that recording is not being performed, and to 1 indicating that recording is being performed. The setting state of the recording F is managed and controlled by the overall control unit 50. .
[0081]
In step S2, it is determined whether or not the setting is to perform the after-view display. Here, if it is set to perform after-view display, the process proceeds to step S3; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S4. The setting of the presence / absence of after-view display is managed and controlled by the overall control unit 50.
[0082]
In step S3, the setting is changed so that the after-view display is not performed, and the process proceeds to step S4. That is, the overall control unit 50 prohibits the LCD 5 from performing after-view display in the voice record mode. Here, if it is set that the after-view display is performed in the voice record mode, if the photographing interrupts during the recording, the photographed image data is stored in the buffer memory 54 during the after-view display (for example, 10 seconds). Since the data is temporarily stored, there is no free space in the buffer memory 54 to resume recording during that time. Therefore, here, it is set not to perform the after-view display. As a result, recording can be resumed immediately after the end of the photographing process. Note that, in the process of step S3, even if “perform after-view display” is selected and set in the camera setting, the setting is ignored, or even if the camera has a specification that uniformly performs after-view display, the voice can be set. There are cases where after-view display is prohibited only when the record mode is set.
[0083]
In step S4, it is determined whether or not a live view display state (live view on state) has been reached. Here, if the live view is on, the process proceeds to step S5; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S6.
[0084]
In step S5, the state is not set to the live view display (live view off state), and the process proceeds to step S6. That is, in the voice record mode, the overall control unit 50 prohibits the live view display from being performed on the LCD 5. Here, if live view display is set to be performed in the voice record mode, image data must be sequentially stored in the buffer memory 54 in order to perform live view display. It is also conceivable that the sufficient free space required for the recording cannot be secured, and that the recorded sound may be degraded in sound quality, such as interruption of sound. Therefore, here, it is set not to perform the live view display. That is, the overall control unit 50 prohibits the execution of the live view display in the voice record mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent the quality of the recorded voice from deteriorating.
[0085]
In step S6, it is determined whether or not the execution button 8a has been pressed (turned on). Here, when the execution button 8a is turned on, the process proceeds to step S7, and when the execution button 8a is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG.
[0086]
In step S7, it is determined whether or not F = 1 is set during recording. Here, if F = 1 is set during recording, the process proceeds to step S8. If F = 1 is not set during recording, the process proceeds to step S10.
[0087]
In step S8, F = 0 is set during recording, and the flow advances to step S9. Here, the setting of F = 0 during recording is performed when the execution button 8a is pressed to end recording because the execution button 8a is pressed in the state where F = 1 is originally set during recording. It is because it can be determined.
[0088]
In step S9, the recording ends, and the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG.
[0089]
In step S10, F = 1 is set during recording, and the process proceeds to step S11. Here, the setting of F = 1 during recording is performed when the execute button 8a is pressed to start recording because the execute button 8a is pressed while F = 0 is originally set during recording. It is because it can be determined.
[0090]
In step S11, recording is started, and a new audio file (for example, corresponding to the audio file (Pict0101.wav) in FIG. 8) is created in the memory card 90, and the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG.
[0091]
In step S21, it is determined whether or not the release button 9 is in a state S1 in which the release button 9 is half-pressed. Here, if the state is S1, the process proceeds to step S22, and if not, the process proceeds to step S30. That is, the overall control unit 50 controls to determine that the shooting processing has started based on detection of the state S1 (shooting preparation state) by the release button 9. Here, in the case of the state S1, the release button 9 is half-pressed to enter the state S1, and the state S1 is held while the release button 9 is half-pressed. . When the state is not the state S1, there are a case where the release button 9 is not half-pressed originally and a case where the state S1 is released. When the state is not the state S1, there are a case where the state which is not the state S1 is originally held and a case where the state which is the state S1 is changed to the state S1.
[0092]
First, the case where it is determined in step S21 that the state is S1, that is, the case where the photographing process is performed (the case where the process proceeds to step S22) will be described.
[0093]
In step S22, it is determined whether or not F = 1 is set during recording. Here, if F = 1 is set during recording, the process proceeds to step S23, and if F = 1 is not set during recording, the process proceeds to step S26.
[0094]
In step S23, F = 0 is set during recording, and the process proceeds to step S24.
[0095]
In step S24, the recording is interrupted, and the process proceeds to step S25. Here, as described above, the recording is temporarily interrupted in order to secure the free space required for the quick operation of the photographing preparation in the buffer memory 54. That is, the overall control unit 50 controls so as to interrupt the recording in response to the start of the photographing process during the recording. Incidentally, if recording is not interrupted when preparing for shooting, it is necessary to perform shooting preparation and recording in parallel quickly and reliably unless a large and very expensive memory is applied to the buffer memory 54. Becomes extremely difficult. For example, when the photographing preparation and the recording are performed in parallel, the operation of the photographing preparation including the AF and the like requires a long time, which causes a problem that the actual photographing timing is later than the operator's intention. Therefore, in this case, the recording is temporarily interrupted in response to the start of the photographing preparation so as to enable quick interruption photographing during recording at low cost. Here, the fact that recording has been interrupted is managed by the overall control unit 50.
[0096]
In step S25, the audio data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 when the recording is interrupted (hereinafter also referred to as "interruption audio data") is set, and the process proceeds to step S26. That is, here, the buffer memory 54 holds the audio data temporarily stored at the time of the interruption of the recording as the audio data at the time of interruption without erasing.
[0097]
In step 26, shooting preparation including AF, AE, and AWB is performed, and the process proceeds to step S27.
[0098]
In step S27, it is determined whether or not the release button 9 has been pressed to enter the state S2. Here, if the state is the state S2, the process proceeds to step S28. If the state is not the state S2, the process returns to step S21.
[0099]
In step S28, exposure is performed on the CCD 20, and the process proceeds to step S29. Here, the light image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted for each pixel and a charge signal is accumulated.
[0100]
In step S29, the charge signal stored in the CCD 20 in step S28 is read out from the CCD 20 as an image signal, and the digitalized image signal is transferred to the buffer memory 54 via the analog signal processing circuit 21 and the A / D converter 22. And temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54, and then proceeds to step S41 in FIG.
[0101]
In step S41, image processing (captured image processing) for the image signal temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 in step S29 and recording processing (image recording processing) on the memory card 90 are started, and the process proceeds to step S42. The captured image file recorded on the memory card 90 here corresponds to, for example, the captured image file (Pict0102.jpg) in FIG.
[0102]
In step S42, it is determined whether there is a predetermined free space required for recording in the buffer memory 54. Here, when it is determined that there is a predetermined free space required for recording in the buffer memory 54, the process proceeds to step S43, and when it is determined that there is no predetermined free space, the process proceeds to step S46. Here, a state in which a predetermined free space required for recording occurs in the buffer memory 54 means that the photographing image data is transferred from the buffer memory 54 to the memory card 90 by shifting to the image recording process after the photographing process or the like is completed. For example, the capacity of the captured image data in the buffer memory 54 is reduced. Then, here, when the predetermined free space required for recording is created in the buffer memory 54 after the photographed image data acquired by the photographing process is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54, In addition, control is performed so as to indirectly determine that the photographing process has ended. From another viewpoint, here, the overall control unit 50 determines whether or not the photographing process has been completed after the photographed image data has been recorded in the buffer memory 54.
[0103]
In the step S43, it is determined whether or not the recording is interrupted by the interruption shooting during the recording. Here, when it is determined that the recording has been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S44, and when it is determined that the recording has not been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S46.
[0104]
In step S44, F = 1 is set during recording, and the flow advances to step S45.
[0105]
In step S45, the recording interrupted by the interruption shooting is restarted, and a new audio file (for example, corresponding to the audio file (Pict0103.wav) in FIG. 8) is created, and the process proceeds to step S46.
[0106]
Therefore, here, after acquiring the photographed image data obtained by the photographing process, it is determined whether or not the photographing process has been completed in step S42, and when a predetermined free space is created in the buffer memory 54, the photographing process is performed. It is determined that the process has been completed. Then, the recording is restarted in response to the end of the photographing process. As a result, the recording can be promptly restarted without interfering with the photographing processing until the photographed image data is acquired.
[0107]
In step S46, it is determined whether or not the photographed image processing and the image recording processing accompanying the photographing have been completed. Here, if it is determined that the photographed image processing and the image recording processing have not been completed, the process proceeds to step S47. If it is determined that the captured image process and the image recording process have been completed, the process proceeds to step S49.
[0108]
In step S47, if F = 1 during recording, the process proceeds to step S48, and if not, the process returns to step S41.
[0109]
In step S48, the audio file is updated in accordance with the recording process, and the process returns to step S41. That is, the processing from step S41 to step S48 is repeated until the photographed image processing and the image recording processing accompanying the photographing are completed.
[0110]
Here, while it is determined that there is a predetermined free space required for recording in the buffer memory 54 in step S42 while the processing from step S41 to step S48 is repeated, the recording, the photographed image processing, and the image recording processing are repeated. Are performed in parallel.
[0111]
Here, from the viewpoint of not missing a photo opportunity, the recording is temporarily suspended during the photographing process in order to quickly perform the operation of the photographing preparation included in the photographing process. However, in the case where the photographing process is completed and only the photographed image processing and the image recording process are left, it is necessary to give priority to resuming the interrupted recording rather than speeding up the image recording process. Therefore, here, the image recording process and the recording are performed in parallel.
[0112]
On the other hand, when the photographed image processing and the image recording processing accompanying the photographing are completed, a sufficient free space is generated in the buffer memory 54. Therefore, even when the interruption sound data is stored in the buffer memory 54, the sound A sufficient free space for processing data can be secured. Therefore, in such a case, the process proceeds from step S46 to step S49.
[0113]
In step S49, it is determined whether or not the interruption-time audio data is held in the buffer memory 54. Here, if it is determined that the interruption-time audio data is stored, the process proceeds to step S50, and if it is determined that the audio data is not stored, the process returns to step S6 of FIG.
[0114]
In step S50, the audio data at the time of interruption stored in the buffer memory 54 is added to the audio file (for example, corresponding to the audio file (Pict0101.wav) in FIG. 8) created before the recording was interrupted and most recently. The interruption-time audio data stored in 54 is deleted (cleared), and the process returns to step S6 in FIG. That is, after the photographing process is completed, one audio file (for example, FIG. 8) created by connecting (synthesizing) the audio data created before the interruption of the recording and the audio data at the time of the interruption to the memory card 90. (Corresponding to Pict0101.wav) is recorded.
[0115]
Next, a case where it is determined in step S21 of FIG. 10 that the state is not the state S1, that is, a case where the photographing process is not performed (a case where the process proceeds to step S30) will be described.
[0116]
In step S30, it is determined whether or not a transition to another mode such as a reproduction mode has been made by the operator pressing the QV button 11, or the like. Here, when it is determined that the mode has shifted to another mode, the process proceeds to step S31, and when it is determined that the mode has not changed, the process proceeds to step S34.
[0117]
In step S31, it is determined whether or not F = 1 is set during recording. Here, if F = 1 is set during recording, the process proceeds to step S32. If not, the voice recording mode is ended and a transition is made to another mode.
[0118]
In step S32, F = 0 is set during recording, and the flow advances to step S33.
[0119]
In step S33, the recording ends, the voice recording mode ends, and a transition is made to another mode.
[0120]
In step S34, it is determined whether or not the recording has been interrupted by the interruption shooting. Here, when it is determined that the recording has been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S35, and when it is determined that the recording has not been interrupted, the process proceeds to step S39. Here, the case where it is determined that the recording has been interrupted corresponds to a case where the state is temporarily set to S1 and the recording is interrupted in step S24, but then the state S1 is canceled. That is, here, the overall control unit 50 performs control so as to determine that the shooting processing has been completed based on interruption or cancellation of the pressing operation (shooting operation) of the release button 9.
[0121]
In step S35, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) has elapsed after the state S1 was released (off). Here, if the fixed time has not elapsed since the release of the state S1, the process proceeds to step S36, and if it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S37.
[0122]
In step S36, it is determined whether or not the state is S1 as in step S21. Here, if the state is S1, the process proceeds to step S22, and if not, the process returns to step S35. That is, here, the determination of step S35 and step S36 is repeated until the state S1 is not returned again (Y in step S36) until a predetermined time elapses after it is determined in step S21 that the state S1 is once released, If a certain period of time has passed since the release of the state S1 (when it is once determined in step S21 that the state S1 has been released), the process proceeds to step S37. Therefore, here, the overall control unit 50 determines that the shooting operation has been interrupted or stopped based on the lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) after the release of the state S1 (shooting preparation state). Control.
[0123]
In step S37, F = 1 is set during recording, and the flow advances to step S38.
[0124]
In step S38, the recording is restarted, and the process proceeds to step S39.
[0125]
Therefore, here, it is determined that the photographing process has been completed based on the interruption / stop of the photographing operation by the operator, so that the recording can be immediately resumed based on the suspension / stop of the photographing operation. On the other hand, the recording is restarted not immediately after the release of the shooting preparation state (state S1) but after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, 0.3 seconds. That is, recording is resumed only when the operator has surely stopped photographing (here, photographing preparation) by providing a slight grace period for resuming photographing preparation. As a result, in the case where the operator is about to stop shooting, but does not actually stop shooting, the time lag associated with resuming and interrupting recording can be prevented, so that a photo opportunity will not be missed, and the usability of the camera will be improved. can do.
[0126]
In the step S39, it is determined whether or not F = 1 is set during the recording. Here, if F = 1 is set during recording, the process proceeds to step S40, and if F = 1 is not set during recording, the process returns to step S6 of FIG.
[0127]
In step S40, the audio file is updated in accordance with the recording process, and the process returns to step S6 in FIG.
[0128]
As described above, in the digital camera 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the voice recording mode, under the control of the overall control unit 50, the recording is interrupted in response to the start of the photographing process, and the recording is performed in response to the end of the photographing process. Resume. As a result, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use digital camera capable of preventing forgetting to resume recording after shooting without missing a photo opportunity.
[0129]
In addition, when the recording is interrupted in response to the start of the photographing process, the interruption-time audio data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 is retained without being erased. Then, after the photographing process is completed, the interruption-time audio data is recorded on the memory card 90. As a result, loss of audio data due to interruption shooting during recording can be minimized. Further, when recording the interruption-time audio data in the memory card 90, the audio data is added (synthesized) to the most recently created audio data before the interruption of the recording, and is recorded as one audio file. As a result, loss of audio data can be minimized as one audio file.
[0130]
<(5) Modification>
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents.
[0131]
◎ For example, although the above-described embodiment is directed to a digital camera, the target to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, the target of application is a mobile phone with a camera. May be. Note that a mobile phone equipped with a camera can be regarded as a digital camera in a broad sense.
[0132]
The specific embodiments described above include inventions having the following configurations.
[0133]
(1) The digital camera according to claim 2, further comprising detection means for detecting a shooting preparation state based on an operation by an operator, wherein the recording control means detects the shooting preparation state by the detection means. And controlling to determine that the shooting operation has been interrupted based on the lapse of a predetermined time after the release of the shooting preparation state. camera.
[0134]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the recording is resumed not immediately after the release of the shooting preparation state but after a predetermined time elapses, so that the recording is restarted only when the shooting is surely stopped. Is eliminated, and usability can be improved.
[0135]
(2) The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera converts the photographed image data into digital data based on the photographing processing, and temporarily stores the digitalized photographed image data. Recording control means for transferring the photographed image data and recording the photographed image data on a predetermined recording medium, wherein the sound recording control means performs the photographing after the photographed image data is stored in the temporary storage means. A digital camera which controls so as to determine whether or not processing has been completed.
[0136]
According to the invention of (2), after acquiring the photographed image data obtained by the photographing process, it is determined whether or not the photographing process has been completed, so that the recording can be promptly restarted without hindering the photographing. .
[0137]
(3) The digital camera according to (2), wherein the recording control unit performs control so as to determine that the shooting processing has been completed when a predetermined free space is created in the temporary storage unit. Digital camera characterized by the following.
[0138]
According to the invention of (3), when a predetermined free space is created in the memory, it is determined that the photographing process has been completed, so that the recording can be resumed promptly without hindering the photographing.
[0139]
(4) The digital camera according to any one of (1), (2), and (1) to (3), wherein the display means performs live view display and the display means in the voice record mode. Prohibiting means for prohibiting live view display by the digital camera.
[0140]
According to the invention of (4), since the live view display is not performed in the voice record mode, it is possible to prevent the quality of the recorded voice from deteriorating.
[0141]
(5) The digital camera according to (5), wherein the recording control means synthesizes the audio data created before the interruption of the recording and the audio data at the time of the interruption, and generates one audio. A digital camera which controls so as to record a file on the recording medium.
[0142]
According to the invention of (5), the temporarily stored audio data at the time of the interruption of the recording is added to the audio data created before the interruption of the recording, and is recorded on the recording medium as one audio file. In addition, it is possible to minimize the loss of audio data.
[0143]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the recording is interrupted in response to the start of the photographing process, and the recording is resumed in response to the end of the photographing process. An easy-to-use digital camera can be provided.
[0144]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, recording can be immediately resumed based on the interruption of the shooting operation by the operator.
[0145]
According to the third aspect of the invention, after-view display is not performed in the voice record mode, so that recording can be resumed immediately after the end of the photographing process.
[0146]
Further, according to the invention of claim 4, since the audio data temporarily stored is not erased when the recording is interrupted in response to the start of the photographing process, the audio data is kept without erasing. Can be fastened. On the other hand, since the recording process of the audio data is interrupted when the recording is interrupted, it is possible to prevent missing a photo opportunity and to provide a digital camera that is easy to use.
[0147]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the audio data temporarily held at the time of the interruption of the recording is recorded on the recording medium after the end of the photographing process, so that the lack of the audio data can be minimized. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external configuration of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing internal functions of the digital camera.
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a folder configuration in a memory card.
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration of a captured image file.
FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration of an audio file.
FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera.
FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining interrupt shooting during recording.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in a voice record mode.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in a voice record mode.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation flow in a voice record mode.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera
5 LCD (display means)
9 Release button (detection means)
20 CCD (imaging means)
50 Overall control unit (recording control means, recording control means, prohibition means)
54 buffer memory (temporary storage means)
90 Memory card (recording medium)

Claims (5)

A digital camera having a voice record mode,
Imaging means for acquiring captured image data relating to a subject;
During recording in the voice record mode, recording control means for interrupting the recording in response to the start of the imaging process, and controlling to resume the interrupted recording in response to the end of the imaging process,
A digital camera, comprising: The digital camera according to claim 1,
The recording control means,
A digital camera, which determines that the photographing process has been completed based on interruption of a photographing operation by an operator, and controls to resume recording. A digital camera according to claim 1 or claim 2,
Display means for performing after-view display,
In the voice record mode, prohibiting means for prohibiting after-view display by the display means,
A digital camera, further comprising: A digital camera having a voice record mode,
During recording in the voice record mode, temporary storage means for temporarily storing audio data,
A recording control unit that controls the audio data stored in the temporary storage unit to be transferred and sequentially recorded on a predetermined recording medium;
During the recording, recording control means for controlling the recording to be interrupted in response to the start of the shooting process,
With
The temporary storage means,
A digital camera, wherein the audio data temporarily stored in the temporary storage means at the time of the interruption of the recording is retained as the audio data at the time of the interruption without being erased. The digital camera according to claim 4,
The recording control means,
A digital camera which controls so as to record the interruption-time audio data in the recording medium after the photographing process is completed.

Images